The demand for computing and IT professionals is growing nationally, and these are well-compensated careers for those who are passionate about technology. Unfortunately, in Maine, as elsewhere, too few young and adult learners are discovering this profession, mastering foundational skills, and gaining relevant experience to succeed.
Maine’s Project>Login has been working with students, teachers, and professionals to chart a course from curiosity to career: from playing and tinkering to making and studying to mastering the practices and competencies that will help them thrive in their future roles: at home, at work, and in the community.
How can we help young and adults learners discover, explore, and pursue pathways to the computing and IT profession?
1. Turning a Passion for Tech into
an Engaging Career
From Curiosity to Career
Jay Collier • Educate Maine
July 18, 2014
2. Educate Maine is a
business-led education
advocacy organization.
>
Project>Login is a campaign
to expand the network of
computing and IT
professionals in Maine.
>
11. Placbo
The Maine School and
Library Network
provides internet
access, email, web
hosting, and other
internet related services
to almost 1000 schools
and libraries across the
state of Maine.
Broadband School Network (1996)
12. Maine Learning Results (1997)
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Each Maine student shall leave school as:
• A clear and effective communicator
• A self-directed and lifelong learner
• A creative and practical problem solver
• A responsible and involved citizen
• A collaborative and quality worker
• An integrative and informed thinker
13. Learning Technology Endowment (2000)
Seymour Papert
• Co-founder of the MIT Media Lab
• Author of Mindstorms
• Creator of LOGO
Angus King
• Governor of Maine (1995-2003)
• Founder, Northeast Energy Management
• US Senator (2013+)
14. By 2017, students throughout Maine
will be able to move from one grade to
the next by demonstrating that they
understand certain concepts and
skills, not by spending a required
number of hours in each subject.
Proficiency Diploma (2012)
16. Computer Science in K-12
9 of 10 schools don’t offer
computer programming classes.
CHALLENGES
code.org
17. Computer Science in K-12
In 28 states, including Maine, Computer
Science courses don’t count toward
high school math or science graduation
requirements.
CHALLENGES
code.org
18. Computer Science in K-12
change.org is organizing petitions
around the country to make computer
science count toward graduation
requirements.
CHALLENGES
19. Computer Science in K-12
Statewide alliances are seeking
funding to train teachers for
computer science courses.
CHALLENGES
20. Computer Science in Higher Education
CHALLENGES
Number of Bachelor’s degree recipients peaked in 2004.
cra.org/resources
21. Gender Inequity in Computer Science
While 57% of bachelor’s degrees are
earned by women, just 12% of computer
science degrees are awarded to women
CHALLENGES
code.org
24. Three out of the top 10 “Best Jobs for
2014” from US News and World Report
are computing and IT-related.
>
1. Software Developer
2. Computer Systems Analyst
3. Dentist
4. Nurse Practitioner
5. Pharmacist
6. Registered Nurse
7. Physical Therapist
8. Physician
9. Web Developer
10. Dental Hygienist
money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/the-100-best-jobs
OPPORTUNITIES
25. Computing majors had the second- and
fourth-highest national starting salary
in 2013.
naceweb.org/about-us/press/top-paid-majors-for-the-class-of-2013.aspx?terms=top%20paying%20majors
1. Petroleum Engineers: $93,500
2. Computer Engineers: $70,400
3. Chemical Engineers: $61,900
3. Computer Science: $59,200
>
OPPORTUNITIES
26. Computing occupations are expected to
dominate STEM professions by 2018
>
cew.georgetown.edu/STEM/
Computer
Occupations
Engineers &
Engineering
Technicians
Life & Physical
Science
Occupations
Architects,
Surveyors, &
Technicians
Mathematical
Science
Occupations
OPPORTUNITIES
27. In Maine: The computing and IT workforce
is now expected to grow to almost 14,000
in 2020.
US DOL via https://opendata.socrata.com/Business/Computing-and-IT-Careers-In-Maine/7wqt-wg92
>
Computer Systems Analysts +200 to 1,830
Software Developers +190 to 1,580
Network & System Administrators +130 to 930
Support Specialists +120 to 2,210
OPPORTUNITIES
29. In 2013, the CEOs of 7 of Maine’s large IT-enabled
companies — in partnership with the University of
Maine System — launched Project>Login to
strengthen Maine's computing and IT workforce.
>
SOLUTIONS
30. Project>Login’s Mission>
Expand the network of computing
and IT professionals in Maine to
help meet workforce demand
through education, information,
and internships.
SOLUTIONS
31. Project>Login’s Short-Term Goal
Help our participating universities
and colleges double the number of
computing and IT bachelor’s degree
graduates by 2017.
SOLUTIONS
38. Pathways to the Profession>
But even doubling computing and IT
bachelor’s degree graduates at all of
Maine’s colleges and universities
won’t meet the projected demand in
2020.
SOLUTIONS
39. Pathways to the Profession>
To meet the demand, we need to
help all young and adult learners
who are sparked by tech discover,
explore, and pursue pathways to the
profession.
SOLUTIONS
43. PATHWAYS
Discover Explore Connect Study Prepare Succeed
• Discover if you're sparked by tech
• Explore computing technology more deeply
• Connect with other learners to collaborate
• Study the knowledge and practices in the field
• Prepare for a career through professional
experiences
• Succeed in a career that matches passions and
interests
44. PATHWAYS
Discover Explore Connect Study Prepare Succeed
Young Learners
Adult Learners
Elementary → Middle → High School → College → Career
Online Exploration → Prior Learning Asssessment → College → Career
45. Discover Explore Connect Study Prepare
Hour of
Code
App
Inventor
Scratch
Beyond
an Hour
of Code
StarLogo
PATHWAYS
46. Discover Explore Connect Study Prepare
Hour of
Code
App
Inventor
Scratch
Beyond
an Hour
of Code
StarLogo
PATHWAYS
code.org
47. Discover Explore Connect Study Prepare
Hour of
Code
App
Inventor
Scratch
Beyond
an Hour
of Code
StarLogo
PATHWAYS
scratch.mit.edu
48. Discover Explore Connect Study Prepare
Hour of
Code
App
Inventor
Scratch
Beyond
an Hour
of Code
StarLogo
PATHWAYS
appinventor.mit.edu
49. Explore Connect Study Prepare Succeed
PATHWAYS
Codecademy
Khan Academy
EdX
Udacity
General
Assembly
Udemy
50. Explore Connect Study Prepare Succeed
PATHWAYS
Codecademy
Khan Academy
EdX
Udacity
General
Assembly
Udemy
khanacademy.org
51. Explore Connect Study Prepare Succeed
PATHWAYS
Codecademy
Khan Academy
EdX
Udacity
General
Assembly
Udemy
codecademy.com
52. Explore Connect Study Prepare Succeed
PATHWAYS
Codecademy
Khan Academy
EdX
Udacity
General
Assembly
Udemy
codecademy.com
53. Explore Connect Study Prepare Succeed
PATHWAYS
Codecademy
Khan Academy
EdX
Udacity
General
Assembly
Udemy
edx.org
54. Explore Connect Study Prepare Succeed
PATHWAYS
Codecademy
Khan Academy
EdX
Udacity
General
Assembly
Udemy
edx.org
55. PATHWAYS
Connect Study Prepare Succeed
Startup
Weekends
App
Challenges
Coder Dojos/
Computing
Clubs
Summer
Camps
Local Meetups
56. Connect Study Prepare Succeed
Startup
Weekends
App
Challenges
Coder Dojos/
Computing
Clubs
Summer
Camps
Local Meetups
PATHWAYS
coderdojo.com
57. Connect Study Prepare Succeed
Startup
Weekends
App
Challenges
Coder Dojos/
Computing
Clubs
Summer
Camps
Local Meetups
PATHWAYS
coderdojo.com
59. Connect Study Prepare Succeed
Startup
Weekends
App
Challenges
Coder Dojos/
Computing
Clubs
Summer
Camps
Local Meetups
PATHWAYS
hightouchcourses.com
60. Connect Study Prepare Succeed
Startup
Weekends
App
Challenges
Coder Dojos/
Computing
Clubs
Summer
Camps
Local Meetups
PATHWAYS
hightouchcourses.com
bangordailynews.com/slideshow/young-bangor-women-embark-on-careers-in-technology-hope-others-will-follow-suit
61. Connect Study Prepare Succeed
Startup
Weekends
App
Challenges
Coder Dojos/
Computing
Clubs
Summer
Camps
Local Meetups
PATHWAYS
62. Connect Study Prepare Succeed
Startup
Weekends
App
Challenges
Coder Dojos/
Computing
Clubs
Summer
Camps
Local Meetups
PATHWAYS
63. Connect Study Prepare Succeed
Startup
Weekends
App
Challenges
Coder Dojos/
Computing
Clubs
Summer
Camps
Local Meetups
PATHWAYS
64. Connect Study Prepare Succeed
Startup
Weekends
App
Challenges
Coder Dojos/
Computing
Clubs
Summer
Camps
Local Meetups
PATHWAYS
• Working on projects they care about
• Working in teams with a variety of abilities
• Working iteratively as projects evolve
• Rubrics and assessments are deep enough to
be intuitive to non-professionals, but also
simple enough to not stifle excitement
89. CAREER COMPETENCIES
Development &
Programming
Data &
Infrastructure
Training &
Support
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Analysis &
Architecture
Do you like solving problems?
• Enjoy communicating with people to understand their needs
• Like documenting how to do things better with computing
• Can work with engineers or developers to select software and
ensure compatibility
• Like to investigate current and emerging technologies
!
Holland Code (I): Investigative/Thinker
checkvist.com/checklists/442082
90. CAREER COMPETENCIES
Development &
Programming
Data &
Infrastructure
Training &
Support
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Analysis &
Architecture
opendata.socrata.com/Business/Computing-and-IT-Careers-In-Maine/7wqt-wg92
95. CAREER COMPETENCIES
Analysis &
Architecture
Development &
Programming
Data &
Infrastructure
Training &
Support
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Development &
Programming
Do you like building things?
• Enjoy using data and logic to create practical tools
• Have an aptitude for technical languages and terminology
• Like detailed analysis and precise implementation
• Can work both on a team and independently
!
Holland Code (R): Realistic/Doer
checkvist.com/checklists/442082
96. CAREER COMPETENCIES
Analysis &
Architecture
Development &
Programming
Data &
Infrastructure
Training &
Support
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Data &
Infrastructure
Do you like working with numbers?
• Use logic and reasoning to identify solutions to problems
• Determine how a system should work and how changes will
affect outcomes
• Identify actions needed to correct system performance
!
Holland Code (C): Conventional/Organizer
checkvist.com/checklists/442082
97. CAREER COMPETENCIES
Analysis &
Architecture
Development &
Programming
Data &
Infrastructure
Training &
Support
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Do you like helping people?
• Like to troubleshoot problems and respond calmly to users
• Are good at deciding whose questions to answer first
• Enjoying training users on new technology
• Advise people designing new software and hardware
!
Holland Code (S): Social/Helper
checkvist.com/checklists/442082
98. CAREER COMPETENCIES
Analysis &
Architecture
Development &
Programming
Data &
Infrastructure
Training &
Support
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Leadership &
Management
Do you like leading people?
• Enjoy working with people and have strong interpersonal
communication skills
• Can understand both technical and non-technical jargon and
communications
• Understand how to apply technology in a business setting
!
Holland Code (E): Enterprising/Persuader checkvist.com/checklists/442082
99. FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Personal
Competencies
Basic Academic
Competencies
Workplace
Competencies
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
100. FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Personal
Competencies
Basic Academic
Competencies
Workplace
Competencies
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
Many models for Foundational Life Skills
• 21ST-CENTURY SKILLS - P21 Partnership
• HABITS OF MIND - Art Costa and Bena Kallick/ACSD
• PIAAC ADULT COMPETENCIES - OECD (Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development)
• EMPLOYABILITY STANDARDS - Skills USA Workforce Ready
System
• GUIDING PRINCIPLES - Maine Department of Education
checkvist.com/checklists/442082
101. FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Personal
Competencies
Basic Academic
Competencies
Workplace
Competencies
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
nmefoundation.org/resources/time/the-promise-of-extended-learning-opportunities-new
“Developing 21st century skills in the last
year of school is positively correlated with
higher perceived work quality later in life."
102. FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Personal
Competencies
Basic Academic
Competencies
Workplace
Competencies
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
Foundational life skills were 6 of the most mentioned
skills in all Maine job listings from Jul–Dec 2013
1 Communication & Coordination
2 Business Environment Skills
3 Software & Programming
4 Problem Solving
5 Customer Service
6 Project & Process Skills
7 Administrative Support
8 General Sales
9 General Repair
10 Accounting & Bookkeeping
mdf.org/publications/Jobs-in-Maine-Online-Job-Postings-by-Industry-Occupation-Skills-and-Education/708
103. FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Personal
Competencies
Basic Academic
Competencies
Workplace
Competencies
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
checkvist.com/checklists/442082
104. FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Personal
Competencies
Basic Academic
Competencies
Workplace
Competencies
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
checkvist.com/checklists/442082
105. FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Personal
Competencies
Basic Academic
Competencies
Workplace
Competencies
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
checkvist.com/checklists/442082
106. FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Personal
Competencies
Basic Academic
Competencies
Workplace
Competencies
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
checkvist.com/checklists/442082
107. FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
English Language
Arts Practices
Math
Practices
Science
Practices
Social Studies
Practices
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
108. FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
English Language
Arts Practices
Math
Practices
Science
Practices
Social Studies
Practices
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=13165&page=42
109. FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
English Language
Arts Practices
Math
Practices
Science
Practices
Social Studies
Practices
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
socialstudies.org/system/files/c3/C3-Framework-for-Social-Studies.pdf
110. FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Computational
Thinking
Industry
Competencies
Occupational
Skills
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
111. FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Computational
Thinking
Industry
Competencies
Occupational
Skills
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
csta.acm.org/Curriculum/sub/CurrFiles/Curriculum_Resource_Crosswalk_with_CSTA_K12_CS_Standards_for_Resources.pdf?
searchterm=computational+thinking+curriculum
112. FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Computational
Thinking
Industry
Competencies
Occupational
Skills
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
csta.acm.org/Curriculum/sub/CurrFiles/Curriculum_Resource_Crosswalk_with_CSTA_K12_CS_Standards_for_Resources.pdf?
searchterm=computational+thinking+curriculum
113. FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Computational
Thinking
Industry
Competencies
Occupational
Skills
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
csta.acm.org/Curriculum/sub/CurrFiles/Curriculum_Resource_Crosswalk_with_CSTA_K12_CS_Standards_for_Resources.pdf?
searchterm=computational+thinking+curriculum
114. FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Computational
Thinking
Industry
Competencies
Occupational
Skills
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
checkvist.com/checklists/442082
115. FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
COMPETENCIES
Computational
Thinking
Industry
Competencies
Occupational
Skills
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
checkvist.com/checklists/442082
116. Curiosity CareerFrom To
COMPETENCIES
FOUNDATIONAL LIFE SKILLS
ACADEMIC PRACTICES
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
Training &
Support
Data &
Infrastructure
Development &
Programming
Analysis &
Architecture
Leadership &
Management
120. Spark [spärk] noun.
An individual’s deepest
passions and interests
that give them meaning,
focus, joy and energy.
!
STUDENT PASSION
search-institute.org/sparks
121. Sparks can be music,
poetry, drama, visual arts,
dance, sports, leadership,
entrepreneurship,
volunteering, church
involvements … any
constructive activity that
gives a passionate and
energetic sense of
purpose.
STUDENT PASSION
search-institute.org/sparks